EU To Host Afro-Euro Fashion Competition In Abuja

The European Union, EU, delegation to Nigeria, in collaboration with some of its member States in Nigeria and the Fashion Academy Abuja, is holding the maiden edition of the Afro-Euro Runway.

Afro-Euro Runway is a fashion competition aimed at harnessing the vast potential of Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, said the show would also celebrate the EU’s partnership with Nigeria, which is increasingly focusing attention on the youth, innovation and skills development.

The envoy said, “The competition resonates with the European Union’s theme for 2023, which has been designated European Year of Skills.”

Describing talents as Nigeria’s biggest asset, Ms Isopi, said “The theme is increasingly reflected in the EU’s programmes with Nigeria, including smart agriculture, and skill development to increase youth employability and education.”

The Ambassador who disclosed that the fashion competition is taking place in Abuja on June 16 2023, said the EU has identified fashion design as very important in any society because of its links with cultural heritage, tradition, youth employment and economic prosperity

According to her, “It is one of the most vibrant creative sectors in Europe and Nigeria, with fashion and high-end industries present in the everyday life of millions of people.EU Member States and European fashion institutions are already collaborating with their counterparts in Nigeria’s fashion industry and said huge opportunities still exist for more partnerships.”

“Fashion is a great Ambassador of European values such as culture, creativity innovation and craftsmanship. This is true also for Nigeria. I am impressed by the creativity, innovation and energy of Nigerian fashion. So, fashion tells who we are and more importantly, it connects people and cultures. The Afro-Euro Runway Competition embodies this spirit of dialogue and collaboration between European creative industries and fashion and Nigerian creative sectors,” Ms Isopi stated.

She said that participating in the show would be a game changer for the selected designers, with a multiplier impact on Nigeria’s growing industry.

Ms Isopi was joined at the event by the CEO of The Fashion Academy, Abuja, Nina Kwande, renowned Italian-Nigeria designer, Paolo Sisiano, celebrity influencer and EU brand Ambassador, Enioluwa Adeoluwa

Seven contestants, who met the pre-selection criteria out of a pool of 124 designers who applied for the competition, would showcase their brands at the events.

The overall winner of the competition would have the opportunity to participate in the famous Madrid Mercedes Benz Fashion Week; the first runner-up would participate in the Dakar (Senegal) Fashion Week, while the second and third runners-up will receive fashion-designing equipment.

All contestants will be sponsored to attend business management training.

The competition offers an excellent platform for fashion designers to display their collections, promote their brands, network with industry professionals, add value to their brands, connect with fashion enthusiasts across the world, and access regional and international markets.

In recent times, the European Union has been working to give more space to the youth in its partnership with Nigeria accelerating support in key sectors to boost skills development, employability, job creation, and inclusive participation.

Mercy Chukwudiebere